SkinCeuticals

SkinCeuticals Correct Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment

Name: SkinCeuticals - Correct Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment
Brand: SkinCeuticals

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

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Works for

2 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Evens skin tone

4 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“It contains 3 concentrated active ingredients to erase uneven skin texture (clogged pores, pigment spots, etc), soothe redness and brighten the complexion: 3% Azelaic Acid, 2% Arbutin and 5,75% botanical extracts.”

Source: Cocoon Center

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: alpha-arbutin, azelaic acid, niacinamide

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

Azelaic acidKey activeEffect: HighIs produced by a yeast that lives on normal human skin. It is used in medicine as a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. It has a mild exfoliating effect. It can also help reduce hyperpigmentation, helps calm down inflammation and can help neutralize free radicals~2–3%

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~1.7–2.5%

Alpha-arbutinKey activeEffect: HighMight help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutin~1.3–1.9%

Lactic acidUnder-dosedEffect: HighAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.1–0.35%

Moisturizing

12 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“SkinCeuticals Correct Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment 30ml is a soothing moisturising perfecting cream formulated for skin looking for radiance.”

Source: Cocoon Center

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: squalane, hydrogenated polyisobutene.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.75%

SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~1.5–2.2%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4–5.9%

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~1.7–2.5%

Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~2.7–4%

Isononyl isononanoate· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowForms a protective film on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture loss. Gives a velvety feel to products while reducing tackiness~3.6–5.4%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.55%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.3–0.75%

Hydrogenated polyisobutene· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowUsed to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin~0.8–1.25%

Cucumis sativus fruit extractEffect: Low, below effective doseMight be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect~0.1–0.4%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.01–0.05%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · 5 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

This product contains antioxidants (azelaic acid) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

Olea europaea leaf extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties but evidence for effectiveness in skin is missing~0.15–0.6%

TocopherolUnder-dosedEffect: HighPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.01–0.05%

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating~0.1–0.45%

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · 3 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

Lactic acidUnder-dosedEffect: MediumAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.1–0.35%

Anti-blemish

Not advertised by the brand · 3 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: azelaic acid, niacinamide. These ingredients is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

Azelaic acidHeroEffect: HighIs produced by a yeast that lives on normal human skin. It is used in medicine as a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. It has a mild exfoliating effect. It can also help reduce hyperpigmentation, helps calm down inflammation and can help neutralize free radicals~2–3%

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractUnder-dosedEffect: MediumCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating~0.1–0.45%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

8 strong irritants: Parfum, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract + 6 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 21 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~2.7–4%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.15–0.55%est.

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.45%est.

Citrus grandis fruit extract—High~0.1–0.35%est.

Benzyl benzoateFragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.3%est.

Thymus vulgaris flower/leaf extractPlant extract that has some anti-bacterial properties. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.3%est.

Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.

Alpha-isomethyl iononeA fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.3%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.

CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.2%est.

Ci 19140A yellow dyeHigh~0.05–0.15%est.

Alpha-arbutinMight help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutinMedium~1.3–1.9%est.

HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesMedium~0.4–0.9%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.3–0.75%est.

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finishMedium~0.2–0.7%est.

Olea europaea leaf extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties but evidence for effectiveness in skin is missingMedium~0.15–0.6%est.

Cucumis sativus fruit extractMight be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effectMedium~0.1–0.4%est.

Polysorbate 60Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.1–0.4%est.

Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.1–0.35%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.25%est.

Ci 42090A colorant (dye)Medium~0.01–0.1%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

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Cheaper Alternatives

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Community Sixty-Six Oil Control Moisturizer with Niacinamide

83% match

$11.99

Boots Dermacare Hyperpigmentation Cream

82% match

$19.76

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Glycerin~4–5.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Isononyl isononanoate~3.6–5.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Forms a protective film on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture loss. Gives a velvety feel to products while reducing tackiness

More about Isononyl isononanoate

Propylene glycol~2.7–4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol

Azelaic acid~2–3%

Hero · Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-blemishAnti-oxidationEvens skin toneExfoliation

Is produced by a yeast that lives on normal human skin. It is used in medicine as a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. It has a mild exfoliating effect. It can also help reduce hyperpigmentation, helps calm down inflammation and can help neutralize free radicals

More about Azelaic acid

Niacinamide~1.7–2.5%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAntibacterialReduces rednessAnti-inflammatory

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide

Squalane~1.5–2.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane

Alpha-arbutin~1.3–1.9%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin tone

Might help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutin

More about Alpha-arbutin

Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate~1–1.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate

Hydrogenated polyisobutene~0.8–1.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated polyisobutene

Silica silylate~0.55–1.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps create a thicker product consistency

More about Silica silylate

Hydroxyacetophenone~0.4–0.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to increase effectiveness of preservatives

More about Hydroxyacetophenone

Sodium hyaluronate~0.3–0.75%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Caprylyl glycol~0.3–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.2–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish

More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer

Sodium hydroxide~0.2–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Olea europaea leaf extract~0.15–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties but evidence for effectiveness in skin is missing

More about Olea europaea leaf extract

Parfum~0.15–0.55%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Butylene glycol~0.15–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~0.1–0.45%

Under-dosedIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-blemishAnti-oxidationAntibacterial

Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract

Citrus grandis fruit extract~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Citrus grandis fruit extract

Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Cucumis sativus fruit extract~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Might be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect

More about Cucumis sativus fruit extract

Sorbitan isostearate~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan isostearate

Polysorbate 60~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 60

Benzyl benzoate~0.05–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating

More about Benzyl benzoate

Thymus vulgaris flower/leaf extract~0.1–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Antibacterial

Plant extract that has some anti-bacterial properties. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Thymus vulgaris flower/leaf extract

Lactic acid~0.1–0.35%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid

Benzyl alcohol~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol

Alpha-isomethyl ionone~0.05–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Alpha-isomethyl ionone

Linalool~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Potassium sorbate~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Citronellol~0.05–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol

Morus alba root extract~0.05–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Morus alba root extract

Ci 19140~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A yellow dye

More about Ci 19140

Ci 42090~0.01–0.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A colorant (dye)

More about Ci 42090

Tocopherol~0.01–0.05%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Isononyl isononanoate, Propylene glycol, Azelaic acid, Niacinamide, Squalane, Alpha-arbutin, Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, Hydrogenated polyisobutene, Silica silylate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium hyaluronate, Caprylyl glycol, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Sodium hydroxide, Olea europaea leaf extract, Parfum, Butylene glycol, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Citrus grandis fruit extract, Sodium benzoate, Cucumis sativus fruit extract, Sorbitan isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Benzyl benzoate, Thymus vulgaris flower/leaf extract, Lactic acid, Benzyl alcohol, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Linalool, Potassium sorbate, Citronellol, Morus alba root extract, Ci 19140, Ci 42090, Tocopherol

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Cocoon Center

≈ $95.64

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	SkinCeuticalsCorrect Phyto A+ Brightening TreatmentYOUR PRODUCT	FaceFactsBright + Clear Cream	Community Sixty-SixOil Control Moisturizer with Niacinamide	BootsDermacare Hyperpigmentation Cream
Match	—	84%	83%	82%
Price	$95.64	—	$11.99−$83.65	$19.76−$75.88
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 6	4 of 6	4 of 6
Key difference	—	Mineral Oil	Saccharomyces Ferment	Panthenol
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"SkinCeuticals - Correct Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment" is effective for: Anti-blemish, Evens skin tone, Moisturizing and Anti-aging

Ingredient callouts

A good concentration of Niacinamide (1.70% - 2.50%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
Azelaic Acid (2.00% - 3.00%). This active can reduce hyperpigmentation. It also works helps against acne and clogged pores. Please note that Azelaic Acid is most effective against acne in concentrations between 10% and 20%.
Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 0.30% - 0.75% and glycerin 4.00% - 5.90%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.